Milos Kerkez quickly makes up mind on Florian Wirtz after marking him in Liverpool training

Liverpool's defender, Milos Kerkez, is eager to demonstrate his worth and secure a spot in Arne Slot's squad this season - even if it means going head-to-head with $156 million new recruit Florian Wirtz in training.

At 21, Kerkez faces the challenge of outperforming two-time Premier League champion Andy Robertson, following his $54 million transfer from Bournemouth. The Hungarian is one of just a number of big signings to be made by the Reds this summer, with Slot overhauling his team after last season's title triumph.

Despite Robertson being 10 years his senior and already considered a Kop legend, Kerkez remains undeterred.

He stated: "It's Liverpool, so you always fight for your position. You have to train good in every training session and play well in every game. You have to play good and then the gaffer decides who's playing at the weekend."

Kerkez has been notably impressed by British-record signing Wirtz since his move from Bayer Leverkusen.

He added: "Obviously he (Wirtz) is very talented. All the guys know because everyone watches him in the Bundesliga. He's a special player.

"He's really technically gifted. I don't see that level too much or too often but he does special things - maybe too much in a single training session - but also in a game.

"Would I mark him? For me it's no problem! I now say good stuff. But not with me!

"But yes, Wirtz is really talented. If you give him one or two meters, he's going to get you. Just the vision of the passes is special. You can only see it in previous pre-season games. He will be a great addition to this club."

Liverpool.com says: There's nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition from teammates, and you can tell Kerkez isn't the sort of player who will back down from a challenge.

Let's just hope he's not going in too hard on Wirtz - we want both of them fit for the start of the season, and any injuries in training would not be the ideal way to begin the title defense!

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